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The Lifestyle You DeserveWed, 17 Jul 2019 19:50:55 +0000en-US
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3232Tips For Money on Summer Vacation!http://www.liveflorenceapts.com/8545-2/
Wed, 17 Jul 2019 19:50:29 +0000http://www.liveflorenceapts.com/?p=8545Summer is officially here! June 21 marked the grand entrance of the season that so many people look forward to each year. The kids are out of school and vacation is on the mind. While it is definitely exciting, it may also be stressful. Vacation can be expensive but it does not always have to be! Check out these 4 ways to save money on this summer’s vacation!

1. Bring your own food

The price of food at popular vacation destinations tends to be higher than normal during the summer. One of the best ways to solve this is to bring your own food! Whether you are going to the beach or an amusement park, pack your own sandwiches and snacks! This is not only a great way to save money, but if you have a picky eater in your family, you are guaranteed to have something that they like!

2. Go somewhere you can drive to

A vacation is about what you make of it and not how fancy the destination is! If you are on a budget, take a trip to a place that you can drive to! Whether you take a day trip or a long weekend, making fun summer memories is what is most important! Research all of the beaches, lakes, antique shops, amusement parks, etc. in your surrounding area and plan the perfect summer outing!

3. Limit souvenirs

When you are on vacation, you want to have something to show for it when you come home. Try limiting your souvenirs, especially if you are flying! Before your trip, think about the one thing you want to pick up for yourself. T-shirts, magnets, snow globes, etc. are all perfect souvenirs to help remember your trip by but just like food, they can be overpriced. Set a budget on how much you want to spend on mementos and try to stick to it!

4. Make lists!

Before going on vacation, make a list of everyday essentials that you use and could not live without while you are away. This is a useful tool in trying to prevent forgetting something at home and having to buy it when you get there. This will help you save extra cash and decrease that feeling of “ I feel like I am missing something.” Make your lists a few weeks in advance rather than the night before you leave. As vacation dawns closer, stress levels and hecticness tend to rise. Help yourself out and begin to prep early!

No matter where you go this summer, enjoy your vacation! Planning a trip, despite how far you go, can be stress inducing especially financially. Follow these tips and research some more in an attempt to ease your anxiety. Everybody deserves time to relax!

]]>Creating Summer Memories!http://www.liveflorenceapts.com/creating-summer-memories/
Fri, 07 Jun 2019 19:00:38 +0000http://www.liveflorenceapts.com/?p=8530June 21 marks the first official day of summer! The season full of warmth and sun in the fun is quickly approaching. Summer is the perfect time to create memories with the people you care about the most. If you are struggling to come up with an itinerary for the summer time, we have got you covered! Here is a list of fun activities for you and your friends this summer!

1. Take a splash at a water park!

Embrace your inner mermaid and enjoy a day at a waterpark! Waterparks are perfect for people of all ages. Whether you want to chill out in the lazy river or test your courage on the daring slides, it is sure to make the perfect day out!

2. Enjoy the waves at the beach!

Ah yes, the beach. The perfect place to relax. A beach day makes a fun day trip or road trip. Grab your favorite book, delicious snacks (beware of the seagulls), and enjoy the sound of the waves crashing. It is the peaceful day that you deserve. Make the beach your oasis this summer!

3. Go for a hike!

Summer is the best time to get out and get active! Take advantage on a nice day and go for a hike! Listening to the sounds of nature while exploring the great outdoors is sometimes the perfect way to unwind! Take a deep breath and enjoy the fresh air. Our world is an amazing place!

4.Take a trip to a museum!

Just because it is summer does not mean that learning is completely off limits! Check out the museums in your area and spend a day learning about the history that brought us to where we are today! Not to mention, history museums are not the only type of museums. There are science, art, technology, etc. museums as well. You learn something new everyday so why not make a summer memory out of it?!

5. Become an artist for the day at Painting with a Twist!

Painting with a Twist has become a popular activity for many people. Painting With A Twist allows you to embrace your inner Picasso and create a masterpiece of your very own. Bring your wine and your best friends and follow along as the instructor guides you through the painting process step by step. You will be amazed at how it turns out! When you are done, hang it in your apartment for all of your guests to see!

6. Enjoy a picnic with someone you love!

Some of the best summer memories are the ones you create outdoors! Invite your friends over for a picnic full of all of your favorite foods. There is nothing better than soaking in the sun, catching up on life, and relaxing with the people who mean the most!

7. Stay indoors and watch a movie!

Sometimes you just do not feel like leaving your house and that is ok! Whether you are by yourself or with a friend, having a movie day is always a great option for a fun day. Pick a movie from each genre and relax. You will laugh, cry, scream, and create awesome memories.

These are just some of the many options for a fun summer outing that you can take advantage of! Make memories with the ones you love that you can treasure for a lifetime!

]]>DIY Spring Craftshttp://www.liveflorenceapts.com/diy-spring-crafts/
Thu, 02 May 2019 20:00:44 +0000http://www.liveflorenceapts.com/?p=8523It’s Spring! Flowers are starting to bloom, grass is starting to grow, the sky becomes a little more blue, and the world is full of bright and fun colors! What better time to liven up your apartment? This Spring embrace your inner artist and create some cute decorations to hang around your apartment! These are so easy that even those with no artistic bone in their body can do them! Below are 5 DIY Spring Crafts for you to enjoy:

1.Spring Coloring Sheet

If you are on a budget, or just cannot squeeze in a time consuming craft, don’t worry about it! Pull out your 64 pack of crayons (admittedly, the best pack of crayons), print out the worksheet, and let your inner Picasso ‘spring’ out! Coloring is also a super helpful de-stressing activity too! When you are done, hang up your masterpiece!

What you will need:

Crayons/ Paints

Coloring Page

2. Window Clings!

Window clings are a blast from the past for some people. There is something magical about the way the sun shines through the window and your artwork glows in the rays. Luckily, this fun form of art does not have to live in the past! If your local store does not sell them, Amazon has a ton of fun window cling kits that will totally make for a fun afternoon craft! Grab some puffy paint, make them your own, let them dry, and voila! You now have a colorful, long lasting decoration that will liven up your apartment!

What you will need:

Window Clings

Puffy Paint

3. Tissue Paper Flowers

Tissue paper flowers can be used to decorate for any occasion! Baby showers, wedding showers, Halloween, and more! There is an array of different flowers you can make and luckily, YouTube has hundreds of tutorials! While this is one of the more time consuming crafts, it is definitely a fun one and you can even make a crafting afternoon out of it with your friends! Afterwards, grab a vase and put your creations in there! Not only will you have a cute decoration, but the awesome memories behind it. Plus, on the bright side, these flowers will never die!

What you will need:

Tissue paper

Ruler

Scissors

Stapler

Thread

4. Paint Your Own Flower Pot

“April showers bring May flowers.” Spring is all about the flowers. The weather is getting warmer and the plants are starting to bloom. Spring is the perfect season to get started on your planting. If you are planning on growing a plant this Spring, add a little bit more fun into it! Get crafty and paint your own flower pot. Decorate it however you want and make it your own! This will make raising your plant a little bit more special!

What you will need:

Flower pot

Paint

Paint brush

Stickers (optional)

5. Create butterflies out of pipe cleaners!

Butterflies are one of the biggest symbols of Springtime! Create your own to put around the house by making beautiful butterflies out of pipe cleaners! This is a fun craft to do with kids or friends! Check out this article by Fave Crafts on how to make your own butterflies!

What you will need:

Pipe cleaners

Beads

Large beads and buttons

Spring is the perfect time to refresh and relax! Unwind from the busy week and enjoy crafting! You never know–you may love it so much, it may become your new hobby!

]]>How To Keep That ‘Spring’ In Your Stephttp://www.liveflorenceapts.com/how-to-keep-that-spring-in-your-step/
Fri, 12 Apr 2019 16:46:41 +0000http://www.liveflorenceapts.com/?p=8516It’s SPRING! Time to awaken, rise & shine! Now that the weather is getting nicer, it’s time to get out of the winter-blues and get re-energized! Check out these great ways to motivate yourself this Spring — it’s time to get that ‘spring’ in your step!

1. Take Walks To Refresh Your Mind

Whether you are in school, at work, or at home– it is always nice to take a break from the hecticness of life and get some fresh air. Step outside for 5-10 minutes, put all phones/computers away, and enjoy the scenery around you. This helps clear the mind and refresh your focus.

2. Set Goals You Want To Accomplish

If you are a goal-oriented person, take some time to write down what you need to get done and pick a date that you want to accomplish it by. This gives you a goal to actually look at and a timeline to follow rather than to just think about. If it helps, write down milestones indicating what part of this goal you want to have complete by a certain date. This is definitely helpful in keeping yourself on track to reaching where you want to be!

3. Make A To-Do List

While looking at the big goal can be motivating, it can also be overwhelming. Take it day by day. Each day before you go home, write down what you want to complete the next day. You will then have a plan in place and it will make focusing a lot easier because you will not be as scatterbrained. Although, it is important to remember that sometimes you will get thrown curve balls and other tasks may arise distracting you from your to-do list. If this happens, don’t sweat it! Take a deep breath and tackle them!

4. Find People To Support You

It is important to surround yourself with people who know your goals and milestones. Let the people you feel comfortable with know what you want to accomplish. Tell them if they see you falling off track, their support and guidance is appreciated! Remember, the people around you should be lifting you up rather than knocking you down.

5. Kick The Negative Thinking

Kicking the negative thoughts is definitely easier said than done. Filling your head with “ I can’t do it” or “It’s too hard” will just decrease your motivation more and more day by day. Change your “can’t” into “can” and if it a task is challenging– ask for help! Even if it is the simplest task, someone around you should be willing to help you figure it out!

6. Take Away Distractions

Distractions can make completing your tasks almost seem impossible. Smartphones and social media, especially, are a big culprit in keeping people away from their work. If you find this is the case for you, take away the distractions. Flip your phone over so you do not see it light up each time you get a notification, delete your social media apps until you get home, put your phone away completely, etc. Out of sight, out of mind is definitely the motto to follow when it comes to distractions.

7. Take Care Of You!

The most important step of all is taking care of yourself! Eating healthy, exercising, getting enough sleep, drinking the required amount of water, etc. can do wonders for you. When you feel good and take care of you, it can help you stay focused and motivated.

These are just some of the helpful suggestions that you can follow to keep that motivation going year round! Keep that ‘spring’ in your step and accomplish those goals!

]]>A Guide For Spring Cleaning Your Apartmenthttp://www.liveflorenceapts.com/a-guide-for-spring-cleaning-your-apartment/
Fri, 05 Apr 2019 18:42:12 +0000http://www.liveflorenceapts.com/?p=8512Spring is in the air! It is officially time to open the windows, let the warm sun in, and clean out your apartment from all of the clutter that was stored over the Winter… but where do you start? It can be overwhelming trying to tackle everything you own at once, so the best option is to take it one step at a time. Here is a guide to help you with your spring cleaning!

Before starting, if you are feeling a bit anxious and need a method to lean on to help you organize everything, research the KonMari Method. The KonMari Method is “a system of simplifying and organizing your home by getting rid of physical items that do not bring joy into your life” which was created by organizing expert, Marie Kondo. If you have Netflix, Marie Kondo has a show which helps families and individuals clean up their home. For tips, tricks, and the perfect show to binge watch, check out Tidying Up With Marie Kondo on Netflix!

1.Create a list to help you stay organized!

It definitely can be anxiety-inducing to have multiple areas of the apartment that need to be straightened up. Before diving into the mess, take a minute to write a list of what rooms you want to conquer on which days. That way you have organization and a set plan. You can also create a list of which items you would like to focus on each day rather than doing it by room. For example, tackle clothes on Monday, tubberware on Tuesday, and so on. This is another helpful method in getting your apartment in order!

2. Lean on the things you love to help motivate you!

Finding motivation can be a challenge sometimes, especially when it comes to cleaning. Head to Starbucks and buy your favorite drink, open the windows, play your favorite music and start cleaning! When you have some of your favorite things surrounding you– it makes it a little bit easier to find the energy to get done what you need to get done! Not to mention, it makes it a lot more fun!

3. Throw away what you do not need!

This is one of the more challenging parts of spring cleaning. If you are someone who grows sentimental attachment to a lot of items, it can be hard to declutter and let go. Tackling this issue is a big focus of the KonMari method. To decide whether or not an item should go, pick it up and hold it. If you feel the item “sparks joy” for you, keep it! If you feel as though you do not experience any joy holding the item, throw it away. One way to decrease the feeling of guilt that sentimental people may have when throwing an item away is to thank the item with a simple “thank you” before tossing it in the bag.

4. Take short mental breaks!

Let’s face it, cleaning can be exhausting especially if you have been doing it all day. Rather than cleaning everything in one fell swoop, give yourself a break every so often. Grab a snack, take a walk, read a chapter of a book–this will give you a mental break and refresh you. Set an alarm on your phone so that you can stay on top of your task and not get distracted for too long!

5. Take everything out and put it back in a more organized way!

When trying to organize a cabinet or a closet, it can be hard to clean it up when there are items all over the place. For areas that are deeper such as a cabinet, take everything out of it and place it on the ground. This gives you the chance to see everything that is in there, throw away what you do not want or need, and place it all back in an orderly fashion. Everything will have a place and you will know what is where.

6. Get some Spring decor to liven up your apartment!

After you are done cleaning, it is important to keep the festive Spring mood alive! Buy a bouquet of bright flowers as well as a few household items such as colorful pillows, throw blankets, cooking utensils, window decor—anything that makes it feel like Spring in your apartment. This will not only make your apartment look super cute but it will bring life to it as well!

After you complete your spring cleaning, light a candle, have a glass of wine, turn on your favorite show, and relax in your nice clean home. There truly is no better feeling than coming home to a clean house so enjoy it!

February is the month of love! With Valentine’s Day approaching, it is always an exciting feeling to think about spoiling the one that you admire. Although with all of that happiness and excitement might come the daunting feeling that it could be financially difficult to pamper your significant other. Luckily, it does not have to be that way! Here are some inexpensive Valentine’s Day ideas to make that day just as special!

1. Make your own chocolate covered strawberries together!

Chocolate covered strawberries are a delicious Valentine’s Day staple. Head to the grocery store, buy the ingredients you need, pour a glass of wine, and create a date night full of making desserts and watching your favorite movie! Tis the season for red, white, and pink so definitely be sure to buy colorful frosting and heart shaped sprinkles to decorate your creations! This is a fun, yummy, and inexpensive idea!

2. Snuggle up at home and watch a movieSpeaking of watching a movie, you can never go wrong with a stay at home movie night! Sometimes it is difficult to agree on a movie that both you and your other half want to watch every other day of the year. So to make this extra romantic, watch something that you know they love! Whether it is a sappy romantic comedy, action packed film, or their favorite Disney cartoon, just the fact that you are agreeing to watch it with them will make it all the more special! This is the perfect way to unwind from the hecticness of life! Remember to bring make the popcorn!

3. Take them out on a picnicPicnics have always been a romantic gesture. Just you and your love sitting outside in the warm sun enjoying a delicious homemade lunch makes the perfect date. If you live in a state where it is warm enough to go the local park for a picnic– do it! This is an inexpensive idea that anybody is sure to appreciate. If you live in an area where it is way too cold to be outside, no worries! Indoor picnics are totally just as thoughtful as they would be if they were outside! Location does not matter, it is the company that does!

4. Make them a delicious home cooked mealThere is something exceptional about enjoying a home cooked meal made by the one you love instead of going out to eat. While eating at a restaurant is enjoyable as well, making your meal at home gives you the opportunity to personalize the meal with something extra that you know your significant other likes with no added cost! Not only that, but you can dance around the kitchen, cook together, and just enjoy each other’s company in your own home!

5. Write them a heartfelt letter expressing how you feel!Love does not need to be shown by expensive materialistic gifts. There is something moving about a handwritten letter expressing how you truly feel that will melt anybody’s heart. The fact that you took the time out of your busy schedule to sit down and write about how much your significant other means to you is sure to bring a smile to their face. One gesture will mean a lot and your words will be treasured for a lifetime.

6. Enjoy their favorite pastime with them!Most people have that one pastime from their childhood they loved to do! Ice skating, playing softball, dancing — no matter what it is, find a place where they can live out their childhood passion! For example, if they were a performer growing up, check the local community theater to see what production they are going to be putting on! Let them embrace their inner theater nerd! If they loved to sing, head to the local karaoke bar! Seeing their inner child come out is sure to make their Valentine’s day and yours!

Overall, there are so many creative and inexpensive ideas that you and your significant other can do together in this Valentine’s day! Materialistic items are not everything and that is important to remember. While showing your love every day of the year is imperative, make them feel like the only person in the world especially on Valentine’s Day!

]]>How To Get Your Apartment Ready For The Holidayshttp://www.liveflorenceapts.com/how-to-get-your-apartment-ready-for-the-holidays/
http://www.liveflorenceapts.com/how-to-get-your-apartment-ready-for-the-holidays/#respondThu, 13 Dec 2018 20:11:42 +0000http://magnoliatraceapt.com/?p=8359Hosting the holidays can be a fun time but preparing everything to be perfect for your guests may seem like a daunting task. Not only do you have food to prep but your apartment needs to be up to par as well. As the holidays approach, you may be feeling the pressure… but no worries! Follow these tips on getting your apartment ready for the holidays and hosting will be a breeze!

1.Prepare for guests to spend the night

If your guests are coming from another city or state, they will most likely be spending the night at your house. Before they arrive, it is a good idea to figure out where they are going to be sleeping so when they come, so that they know where to put their stuff. It is also important to remember to find clean sheets, pillows, and blankets. Sometimes guest may forget to bring their own and as a host, you should always have some prepared. Even if your guest are not planning on staying the night, it is still smart to be prepared. Something could come up and they may not be able to get home and being ready for the unexpected will help so they do not feel as though they are putting you out. Plus, how fun is an impromptu Holiday Pajama Party with friends?!

2. Find entertainment other than the television

When guests are coming over for the holidays, it is important to prepare what are you going to do during the party. Rather than depending on the television as the sole form of entertainment, come up with other ways your guests can have fun! Board games and card games are always a fun option and are often a lot funnier with a group of people! Another option is to encourage your guests embrace their inner superstar with a karaoke machine! Who knows– Grandpa might have some pipes! If you are looking to get out of the house, take a stroll to look at the dazzling lights around the neighborhood. Not only will this encourage some great conversation, but will definitely enhance the holiday spirit!

3. Clean / Freshen it up with candles

Whenever guests are coming, cleaning up is an obvious must. Take the time out of your busy schedule to deep clean each room so your guests walk in to a fresh clean home. When you are finished, light some holiday scented candles! This not only will make your home smell delightful but makes it feel warm and welcoming as well which is ideal! Nothing like the smell of fresh baked sugar cookies to greet you at the door!

4. Holiday decor to make it more festive

Along with scented candles, holiday decor will make your home feel all the more festive! Pillows with cute holiday phrases like “Let It Snow” or characters such as snowman on them will make the cutest addition to your couch! Lights not only brighten up the room but they make it feel comfy and cozy! You could also add blankets, table decorations, candy dishes, and other fun ornamentation to boost the overall mood of the room!

5. Rearrange the furniture

Having guests over can be stressful especially trying to make sure there is enough room to eat and mingle. Take a look at the main area you will be hosting. If there is room to push the furniture back against the wall more– do it! This will open up the room a little bit more and a little more space is definitely better than none. If you have any decorative chairs or tables that you do not really use, relocate them for the night. This will create more room and your guest will feel comfortable and not overwhelmed!

6. Have a designated area for items your guests may bring

December can be a chilly month so your guests may be wearing coats. Depending on how many people are coming, make room in your coat closet to hang up their coats. If there are more people coming than coats you can fit into the closet, think of a designated room to place the coats in. This way coats are not laying all over the place. This is a great way to stay organized and everyone can easily grab their coat before leaving. Guests often bring gifts with them as a thank you for hosting. Think ahead of time about where to put gifts they could possibly bring so you do not have to pile them all in one place and take up more room than you would like. In case someone brings a cake, make room on the kitchen counter ahead of time for it. If you have a wine rack, create room on the top and place the wine there so you know which one came from them so you can pop it open for dinner!

Whether you are hosting or traveling this season, we wish all of our residents a happy, healthy, warm, and safe holiday!

]]>http://www.liveflorenceapts.com/how-to-get-your-apartment-ready-for-the-holidays/feed/05 Gift Ideas For Your Loved Ones!http://www.liveflorenceapts.com/5-gift-ideas-for-your-loved-ones/
http://www.liveflorenceapts.com/5-gift-ideas-for-your-loved-ones/#respondTue, 11 Dec 2018 18:28:07 +0000http://magnoliatraceapt.com/?p=8356The holidays are not only about receiving, but giving as well! Getting your loved one that one item that they have had their eye on and watching them unwrap it is a rewarding feeling! The smile that stretches across their face creates great memories! But sometimes, it is rather difficult to figure out what exactly to get that certain someone. If you are searching for gift ideas, look no further! Here are some fun holiday gifts to give this season!

1. Clothes!

Buying someone clothes can be tricky because everyone has different sizes and styles but you can never go wrong with buying something cute or funny such as one size fits all adult onesies, knitted scarfs, bath robes, etc.– these all make for some great gifts that you don’t need a specific size for! Fuzzy socks are another popular suggestion! You can never go wrong with fuzzy socks– they’re super cozy and let’s face it, you can never have too many socks! I think we can all relate to putting on a load of laundry and coming out with only one sock of the pair so the more socks, the merrier!

2. Television/ Movie themed gifts!

Is there a television show or movie that the person you are gift hunting for loves? If so, try to base your gift that! Depending on the show, it should be a relatively easy task to find merchandise with something like their favorite character or quote on it! For example, if they love the Harry Potter series, there are numerous of sweaters, hats, socks, etc., that you can find with spells on it or buy them a wand so they can imagine themselves in the wizarding world they love! Duplicates of the props found in the show/movie are also a really fun gift! If they love NBC’s The Office, you can get them something such as a Dundie award! The Dundie awards were given out by Michael Scott to each of the people in his office. You could get it customized to say something like “Best Brother!” or “Favorite Co-Worker!” Creativity is key. Find something that that is unique and fun! Etsy is a great website to find these types of items!

3. You can’t go wrong with Gift Cards

Let’s face it. Gift cards are most likely the easiest gift to give. Not only is it small and easy to wrap, but it gives the receiver the opportunity to buy what they want with it. As mentioned before, shopping for someone is sometimes challenging especially when it comes to clothes. A giftcard to Target, TJ Maxx, Old Navy, etc., is never under appreciated! Gift cards to restaurants, gas stations, movie theaters, etc., all make amazing gifts!

4. Tickets to a live event!

Tickets tend to make a popular gifts as well! If they have a favorite band/ artist/ comedian that is going on tour, tickets to see them live would make the ultimate gift! If you are giving to a sports fan, buy them tickets to a game! Going to a game live compared to watching it on TV is a whole different experience that they are sure to appreciate! Do they love musicals? Broadway shows? Buy them tickets to see a show! It does not have to be in New York City– most major cities around the country have productions! This is a fun night out on the town that gives you a reason to dress up!

5. A picture is worth 1000 words

Pictures can be sentimental. Looking back at the good old days and bringing yourself back to that day and thinking about the memories that were made is a special feeling. There are many stores, online and offline, that can print pictures on any surface you would like so these memories do not just have to exist in a flipbook of photos. If you are trying to find the perfect gift for your mom, dad, grandfather, or grandmother– print pictures of their children/grandchildren on a large canvas to hang in her living room or a soft blanket they can snuggle with each night! If the person you are giving to went on a fun vacation with you, create a scrapbook for them to cherish forever! As said before, creativity is key but no matter what the gift is, it is sure to touch someone’s heart!

Overall, giving is even better than receiving! It’s not about the how much you spend, it’s always the thought that counts. No matter what you give someone, it will be special to them because it came from you!

]]>http://www.liveflorenceapts.com/5-gift-ideas-for-your-loved-ones/feed/0Fun Crafts To Do This Holiday Season!http://www.liveflorenceapts.com/fun-crafts-to-do-this-holiday-season/
http://www.liveflorenceapts.com/fun-crafts-to-do-this-holiday-season/#respondMon, 03 Dec 2018 20:59:08 +0000http://magnoliatraceapt.com/?p=8352Crafting is always fun especially during the holiday season! There are so many creative ways to utilize the things you use in your everyday life and turn them into a decoration that will last you a lifetime! Kids crafts can be a heartwarming piece of decor that will hold so many memories! Grab the kids, your best friends, your significant other, or anybody who loves to craft and make these 5 adorable pieces!

1. Felt reindeer, candy canes, Santa, and more!

Felt is easy to use and maneuver and a great tool for crafting! It comes in an assortment of colors that make it easy for your imagination to run wild with ideas! For your holiday craft, you will be sticking to the basic colors of red, white, black, green, and brown! If you are a crafting beginner, don’t worry! Felt crafts are all about basic shapes! Your craft can become anything you want it to be! There is no right or wrong when it comes to crafting!

What you will need: Felt, Glue. Scissors, any other accessories depending on what you make!

2. Paint Plastic ornaments

Finding clear plastic ornaments is simple! You can buy them online or in your nearest craft store! Painting plastic ornaments are the perfect canvas to use especially with kids! This is a much safer alternative to using glass because you do not have to worry about the ornament breaking which is a big relief as a parent! After they dry, hang them up! Be proud to display the beautiful work and fun memories that go with it!

What you will need:

Clear plastic ornaments

Washable paint

Stickers

Ribbon to hang the ornaments

3. Hand painted Santa

Another fun holiday craft is a hand painted Santa! Head to your nearest craft store and buy washable white and red paint! Cover your fingers in the white paint and along the thumb in red and place down on the canvas with your fingers pointing towards the bottom. Flip it right side up and draw the rest of Santa with your hand portraying his beard and hat! Voila! You have an easily made hand painted Santa! This is the perfect craft for people of all ages! What you will need:

A blank canvas

White Paint

Red Paint

Crayons or Markers to draw the eyes and nose

4. Cotton ball beard

One of the most classic holiday crafts is creating Santa’s beard and hat out of cotton balls! White and fluffy, just like his beard, cotton balls are the perfect crafting supplies! For Santa face you can either print out a coloring page ahead of time or draw it yourself! Not only that, but if you want to do a full body Santa– cotton balls make the perfect lining to Santa’s infamous red coat! Overall, this is a cute idea that does not take long to make!

What you will need:

Cotton Balls

Any skin tone colored construction paper/felt for the head

Red construction paper or felt for the hat

Hot Glue/ Elmer’s Glue

Crayons or Markers for the eyes and nose!

5. Popsicle stick reindeer

Popsicles are a sweet summer treat but make for a great Christmas time craft! One popular craft is creating a reindeer out of popsicle sticks. To begin, paint your popsicle sticks brown and let them dry. Next, take your popsicle sticks and glue them together to form a triangle. Create antlers out of pipe cleaners and glue them on. Lastly, add a red ball and googly eyes for the facial features! If you want to make an ornament out of it, that’s no problem! Glue a string onto the back and there you have it!

What you will need:

Popsicle sticks

Brown paint

Googly eyes

Red cotton ball

Pipe cleaners

Glue

]]>http://www.liveflorenceapts.com/fun-crafts-to-do-this-holiday-season/feed/05 Tips For Enjoying and Embracing The Holiday Craze!http://www.liveflorenceapts.com/5-tips-for-enjoying-and-embracing-the-holiday-craze/
http://www.liveflorenceapts.com/5-tips-for-enjoying-and-embracing-the-holiday-craze/#respondFri, 30 Nov 2018 20:39:48 +0000http://magnoliatraceapt.com/?p=8349It’s that time again! The holidays are a fun and crazy time of year! From Thanksgiving to New Years, people are running around non-stop to get everything that they need to get done complete. It is important to remember to embrace the holiday spirit in the midst of all the craziness. Shopping and wrapping and events — Oh my! We have some great strategies to keep the holiday light and bright during this busy time!

1. Remember the most important thing is not how much something cost

Giving presents during the holiday season is just as exciting as receiving them. It is hard when your loved ones deserve so much and your price range is not quite that high. That’s ok! The gifts you buy do not have to cost a lot. It is not about the price tag, but rather about spending time with your loved ones and enjoying each other’s company. Whether you buy someone a $200 purse or a $8 candle, it is the thought that counts and they will love it either way because it came from you! With that being said, make time to visit your family and friends if you are able too! You may see them every day or you may only see them twice a year, either way your company, especially during such a special time of year, is the perfect gift!

2. Give back to your community

Giving back makes the holiday season all the more special and magical. Anything from food, toys, clothes, time– it is more than welcome! A lot of people go without during the holidays and as easy as is to get wrapped up in materialistic items, sometimes taking a minute to step back and put things in perspective is extremely helpful. If you are interested in giving back, check out our last blog, “Tis The Season For Giving!” to learn more about your closest food bank donation location as well as other ways to give back!

3. Fill your home with holiday scents and music

There is nothing that makes a home feel extra festive and warm than the sweet smells of the holiday season! Sugar cookies, peppermint, balsam and cedar, cranberry– oh my! No other feeling beats walking into your home after a long day and relaxing to the heartwarming scents of the holidays! Yankee candle has an extensive holiday candle collection that is sure to fill your home with cheer! Music is also another great way to boost your mood! If you have a list of housework to get done, blast some holiday music throughout the house! This is a for sure way to not only make your to do list more fun but a great way to feel more cheerful! Dance and sing your heart out to “Rockin Around The Christmas Tree” like nobody’s watching!

4. Have a cookie baking party with your friends!

Baking cookies is a classic holiday activity that many people around the world love to take part in. Call up your closest friends and put together a holiday cookie baking party! Ask them to bring their favorite recipes with them so you have an assortment of delicious cookies! While the cookies bake, pour a glass of wine, tune into the Hallmark Channel, and watch one of their cheesy holiday films that you cannot help but cry over! The holidays are about spending time with the ones you love so why not make a party out of it!

5. Take time to embrace the holiday spirit

The holidays are one of the most magical times of the year. Take some time out of your busy day and take a walk around the neighborhood with a cup of warm hot chocolate in your hands. It is amazing to see the effort people put into festively decorating for the holidays. With lights and decorations everywhere you look, it is hard not to embrace the holiday spirit. Don’t forget to compliment someone’s decor if you see them! That is a great way to spread the joy of the holidays!